ENUGU TENANCY BILL AMENDMENT: “NANS Sounds Alarm, Demands Urgent Passage of Enugu Tenancy Bill Amid Rising Rent Crisis”

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Enugu State Chapter, has issued a strong appeal to the Enugu State House of Assembly over the prolonged delay in passing the much-anticipated amendment to the state’s Landlord and Tenant Law.

In a press statement released by the student body, NANS acknowledged the Assembly’s initial efforts in 2025, particularly the introduction of “A Bill for a Law to Amend the Landlord and Tenant Law, CAP. 101, Laws of Enugu State,” sponsored by Hon. Okey Mbah. The move was widely praised at the time, as it signaled a deliberate attempt to address longstanding challenges in the housing sector affecting both students and residents.

According to the statement, the proposed bill contains several progressive provisions aimed at curbing exploitation and promoting fairness in tenancy practices. These include capping agency and legal fees at 10% of annual rent, abolishing non-refundable caution fees, mandating the certification of property agents, establishing clear and fair eviction procedures, and empowering a regulatory body to oversee tenancy operations within the state.

Despite successfully passing its first and second readings and being referred to the House Committee on Housing, the bill has since stalled, with little or no public update on its progress. This silence, NANS warns, is fueling growing anxiety, especially among students who remain among the most vulnerable to rising housing costs.

The association highlighted the worsening situation across Enugu State, where students are increasingly subjected to arbitrary rent hikes and exploitative housing conditions. In many cases, landlords reportedly justify these increases by pointing to infrastructural developments introduced by the state government under Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, including improved road networks, better water supply, and enhanced security.

While these developments are widely regarded as positive strides in governance, NANS expressed concern that they are being used as a pretext for excessive rent increases. The association described the situation as ironic, noting that the benefits of governance meant to ease living conditions are instead becoming a source of hardship for students.

“This trend is not only unfair but unsustainable,” the statement emphasized, warning that continued delay in legislative action could deepen the housing crisis and further expose students to financial and psychological strain.

NANS JCC Enugu State Chapter has therefore called on the Speaker and Honourable Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly to urgently prioritize the passage of the bill. The association stressed that timely legislative intervention would restore confidence in governance and provide much-needed relief to tenants across the state.

Reaffirming its commitment to advocacy and collaboration, NANS urged all relevant stakeholders to work collectively toward ensuring a fair, transparent, and accountable tenancy system.

“The welfare of students remains paramount,” the statement concluded, expressing optimism that the Assembly will act decisively in the interest of the people.

✍️ Reported by SPOTLIGHT ONLINE NEWS